Core Facts to Know and Look for When You Buy 1 AWG Welding Cable

[Greg Anixter]

If you’re getting set up for a new welding job and need supplies, it’s beyond important to know precisely what you’re looking for before you buy. Buying the wrong cable can end up slowing down a job, wasting money, and give you unneeded stress, especially when you’re buying 1 AWG welding cable. Because of its relative thickness, 1 AWG welding cable requires more careful selection than some other types of cable. With that in mind, here’s what you should know and look for when you’re buying a 1 AWG cable:

1. What Makes a 1 AWG Cable Special?
1 AWG cable is very thick, being on the lower end of the AWG (American Wire Gauge) measurement specifications. If you’re not familiar with AWG measurements, the smaller the number of the gauge, the thicker the wire. A 1 AWG cable is 7.348mm in diameter and offers considerable ampacity, making it the ideal choice for jobs that require higher electrical currents.

2. How Is 1 AWG for Flexibility?
As a general rule of thumb, the larger the cable, the less flexible it will be. This makes thicker cables, like 1 AWG welding cable, less ideal for tight spaces where you’ll need more give in your lines. In addition, the heavier insulation often needed to securely use higher ratings of electrical current also often comes with the downside of being less flexible. Always be sure to think carefully about your flexibility needs before you buy. Some higher-end cables incorporate very high strand counts, which can counteract the inflexibility of larger and more insulated cables. However, higher strand count cables tend to run more expensive than medium strand count cables.

3. Will the Thickness Effect the Maximum Length?
In general, thicker wires enable your cable to run considerably longer distances. This principle arises from electron flow, which makes up the fundamental function of electricity. The thicker a wire is, the more easily electrons can flow through it. What this translates to is lower resistance over the course of greater distances when using thicker wires.

If you have a job where you’ll need extra long cables, considering 1 AWG welding cable is a good idea. Always be sure to consult manufacturers and major industry authorities before making a decision, as certain cable types might not be appropriate for your environment.

4. How Does Cable Thickness Affect Cost?
In general, the more copper strands that is used in a cable, the greater the cost will be. There are of course variations depending on brand, insulation, thread count, and even material makeup. For some uses, you may not need extremely heavily insulated wire, which may result in a cheaper cable. While 1 AWG cable is certainly pricier at a baseline than thinner cables, it doesn’t have to break the bank.

5. Where Should I Buy 1 AWG Cable?
While the process of finding the right shop for you is an undeniably personal process, a great place to start would be EWCSWire. Loved by tradespeople of all stripes, EWCSWire has been in the cable business for years, and their professional team will impress you with their knowledge, insight, and experience. They’ve worked with leaders of big jobs and small jobs alike, and you might be surprised by just how much help you can get without ever having to step inside a brick-and-mortar store. Their shipping policies are tough to beat, so you’ll be sure to have the supplies you need when you need them. Check them out online today!